Rajasthan United FC and Diamond Harbour FC Share Points in IFL Clash
Match Overview
In a thrilling encounter at the Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium in Jaipur, Rajasthan United FC and Diamond Harbour FC played to a 1-1 draw in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 on Thursday. The home team initially took the lead with a penalty scored by Jonathan Fernandes, but R Ramdinthara equalized for the visitors.
Current Standings
Following this match, Diamond Harbour FC remains in second place on the league table with 10 points, tied with Sreenidi Deccan FC. Rajasthan United FC is positioned fifth, accumulating eight points from five matches.
Team Lineup Adjustments
Rajasthan United's head coach, Vikrant Sharma, made a notable change by substituting the injured Pedro Astray with Pragyan Sundar Gogoi. On the other hand, Kibu Vicuna of Diamond Harbour made two attacking adjustments, reinstating Jobby Justin in place of Ramdinthara and starting the seasoned Girik Khosla instead of Mohit Mittal.
First Half Highlights
The match began with both teams creating early chances. Jonathan Fernandes missed a shot from the edge of the box for Rajasthan United, while Luka Majcen failed to convert a free header from a well-placed cross by Jobby Justin.
As the first half progressed, opportunities became scarce as both teams struggled for midfield dominance. Set pieces emerged as the primary source of scoring chances.
The closest moment to a goal came when Jobby delivered a low cross that goalkeeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri could only deflect into a risky area. Antonio Moyano was poised to score but was thwarted by a crucial tackle from Pragyan Gogoi. The first half concluded without any goals.
Second Half Action
The second half saw Rajasthan United take the lead early on through a penalty. Robilal Mandi fouled Thomyo Shimray inside the box, leading to a penalty kick that Jonathan Fernandes successfully converted.
Shortly after, Abhishek Ambekar's powerful shot from outside the box struck the crossbar and rebounded into play.
At the other end, a long throw from Jobby Justin was mishandled by the goalkeeper, allowing Sunday Afolabi to attempt a shot, but P.P. Shafeel cleared it off the line. Rajasthan United faced another setback when substitute Naoba Meitei's long-range shot hit the crossbar.
Equalizer for Diamond Harbour
Diamond Harbour's efforts bore fruit eight minutes before the final whistle when they equalized. Moyano delivered a perfectly timed through ball to Ramdinthara, who skillfully dribbled into the box and finished from a tight angle.
Buoyed by the equalizer, Diamond Harbour pressed for a late winner, coming close several times. Substitute Hugo Diaz's left-footed shot hit the crossbar, and in stoppage time, Moyano's attempt was blocked, while William Pauliankhum's header for Rajasthan United went off target. Ultimately, both teams settled for a draw.